Aggressive or Potentially Violent Students

Responding to the Aggressive or Potentially Violent Student

Aggression varies from threats to verbal abuse to physical violence. It is very difficult to predict aggression and violence; however, the following can be indicators or "Red Flags" of potential violence:

Paranoia

Dramatic change in work or study habits

Decline in personal grooming

Deterioration in social relationships

Impulse control problems

Argumentative; talks about revenge or vengeance

Grandiose; always has to be right

Psychotic, delusional

Emotional expression that doesn't match context

Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, etc.)

Strange or bizarre behavior indicating a loss of contact with reality

Suicidal or other self-destructive thoughts or actions: direct or
indirect verbal or in written materials (assignments, journals, emails,
etc.)

Homicidal threats

What should you do when faced with a student in crisis, or one who is aggressive or potentially violent? Immediately

Assess your level of safety. If a student expresses a direct threat to
him-or-her-self or others, or acts in a bizarre, highly irrational or
disruptive manner, call or have someone call Public Safety (206) 296-5991.

Ask the student to leave the classroom so that you may speak away from
the other students. Remain in an open area with a visible means of
escape.
Remain calm. You stand a better chance of calming the student if you are calm.

Explain to the student the behaviors that are unacceptable. Be respectful, but set clear and firm limits: "I see that you are upset.
I need you to sit down. For us to have a conversation, I need you
to…" Be clear and precise in the words you use. Acknowledge the student's feelings when appropriate; be reassuring. Be patient and listen carefully to find out whether the student
understands what you are saying. You may have to repeat yourself. Be concrete. Try to identify a specific issue and suggest something
that can be done to address it. For example, you may suggest that the
student accompany you to the Counseling Center.

Use a time-out strategy (i.e. ask the student to reschedule a meeting
with you once he or she has calmed down) if the student refuses to
cooperate and remains agitated.